Fresh off an extensive fall tour promoting their highly acclaimed 2023 full-length album, the indie singer-songwriter supergroup, boygenius, took center stage as the musical guest on the November 11 episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Amidst the sketches featuring host Timothée Chalamet, the trio, comprised of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, treated fans to two captivating guitar-driven performances from their latest record.
In a delightful surprise for fans, the members of boygenius also showcased their comedic side, making a guest appearance in a sketch alongside SNL cast members Bowen Yang and Sarah Sherman. This marked the inaugural SNL appearance for both Dacus and Baker, who are established solo artists in their own right. Meanwhile, Bridgers, a seasoned performer, made her second appearance on the SNL stage, having previously served as the musical guest during Dan Levy’s Season 46 episode.
Notably, Dave Grohl, the frontman for the Foo Fighters, who were the musical guests on the October 28 episode, had supported boygenius on drums during their October 31 Hollywood Bowl show, adding an extra layer of musical synergy to the season.
This SNL appearance was a significant moment for boygenius, marking their first television performance since receiving six Grammy nominations for the 2024 awards. Among the nominations were prestigious categories such as Album of the Year for their record and recognition for their single “Not Strong Enough” in categories like Record of the Year, Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song.
The SNL stage was graced by boygenius’s dynamic performance, backed by their energetic band. The iconic Beatles-font boygenius logo adorned the drumset, adding a touch of aesthetic flair to the stage setup. Throughout their Grammy-nominated single, the trio of Bridgers, Baker, and Dacus seamlessly alternated vocals, creating a rich tapestry of harmonies set against the backdrop of crashing drums and the resonant twang of guitars.
For their second SNL performance, boygenius chose the high-energy track “Satanist” from their latest album. The song showcased the group’s vocal prowess as they navigated through tempo shifts, transitioning from rollicking to slowed moments amidst dramatic red lighting. The performance carried a slightly reminiscent undertone, evoking memories of Bridgers’s impactful guitar-smashing moment at the conclusion of her SNL performance in 2021. This time, it was Julien Baker who added a touch of rock theatrics, heaving her guitar at the song’s culmination.
Adding a comedic twist to the SNL episode, the sketch featuring Timothée Chalamet, Bowen Yang, and Sarah Sherman saw Bridgers, Dacus, and Baker portraying three sleep demons in the guise of Australian pop star and actor Troye Sivan. The sketch involved a peculiar dance routine and a glimpse of their red undies, creating a humorous interlude that added a light-hearted touch to the show.
In summary, boygenius’s SNL appearance served as a triumphant return to the television stage, showcasing not only their musical prowess but also their versatility as entertainers. The fusion of soulful performances, Grammy recognition, and a humorous sketch cameo contributed to a memorable evening for both the supergroup and SNL audiences alike.